There is no age limit for learning and intellectual quest. To add value to his journey of life-long learning, an octogenarian, a practising general physician, has obtained a Ph.D. degree for his research on “breast cancer and low back pain” from the National Institute of Technology-Tiruchi.
G. Ganapathy, 81, received the degree from Bhaskar Bhat, Chairperson, Board of Governors of NIT-T, at its virtual convocation in Tiruchi on Saturday in the presence of its Director Mini Shaji Thomas.
Dr. Ganapathy did the research under the supervision of N. Sivakumaran, a professor in Instrumentation and Control Engineering of NIT-T. Dr. Ganapathy, who retired from government service in 1997 as Joint Director of Health Services, still runs a clinic and treats patients in Thillai Nagar in Tiruchi. After his superannuation, he had worked in various State and Central institutes as a physician. Moved by the plight of young women who suffered from cancer, he registered for a research programme at NIT-T a few years ago and obtained a degree.
“In my career spanning about 40 years and 20 years after retirement, I have come across a number of young women suffering from breast cancer. Many could prevent it if they took notice well in advance through self-examination. There is still no adequate awareness among women. It was with the aim of devising a strategy on diagnosing breast cancer and creating awareness among the women I did the research,” Dr. Ganapathy told The Hindu .
Despite the old age, Dr. Ganapathy never failed to do the research assignments. He was prompt in data submission and analysis, said Mr. Sivakumaran.
